University Of South Dakota Bans Smoking On Campus

The University of South Dakota is going smoke free starting in January.

The university announced Wednesday that the USD Executive Committee voted to ban smoking on campus effective Jan. 9, 2013.

The USD's Student Government had earlier passed a smoking ban resolution, which the Faculty Senate also endorsed.

USD President James Abbott says in a news release that while the university wants to be fair to everyone, smoking is a health issue. He says it is the university's responsibility to ensure the campus promotes a healthy lifestyle.

Smoking is currently not allowed indoors or within 25 feet of university buildings on campus.